Rafters earn split with offensive outburst in game two

WISCONSIN RAPIDS- After losing 4-0 in the first game, Wisconsin Rapids salvaged the split by scoring five late runs in a 11-8 win over Eau Claire from Witter Field.

In the win, Max Widmar broke the tie in the seventh when he drove home Dustin Woodcock on a RBI single.

The Rafters added four runs in the eighth to push the lead to five. Rob Calabrese provided a RBI single before Patrick Cromwell launched a three-run homer.

Plover native Cal Giese took the no decision after struggling through 2 2/3 innings. Giese allowed two walks, five hits and six runs while striking out two. John Jaeger earned the win, tossing 4 1/3 scoreless innings.

Eau Claire grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top of the second before the Rafters cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the inning. Eau Claire grabbed a commanding 6-1 lead with a four-run third inning.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Rafters tied the game, scoring five runs on four hits. Logan Mattix drove in a run on a fielder’s choice before Joey Morgan delivered a two-run double. Demetrius Sims drove in two more runs on another double to tie the game.

Marshfield native Daulton Varsho posted two hits and four RBI, including a two-run homer off Rafters’ closer Garrett Schilling in the ninth inning.

In the loss in game one, Rafters’ starter Chris Cooper ran into trouble in the seventh inning. Cooper allowed three walks and two hits as Eau Claire scored three runs. The Express added an insurance run in the eighth off reliever Reggie Johnson.

The Rafters posted just four hits in the losing effort. Express catcher and Marshfield native Daulton Varsho scored two runs after drawing a pair of walks.